Notes and quotes on the arrival of Dan Boyle and the departure of Craig Rivet

We’ve covered the particulars and, yes, I do have holiday plans so I’m going to try and cut this a little short (selfish, I know).

But here are a few of the highlights from the earlier phone conference now that I’ve filed my print edition story.

*Dan Boyle didn’t try to hide his unhappiness with the Lightning’s new ownership — “I was misled and disrespected” — but he didn’t want to dwell on it either. Once he got over the shock of being pressured to waive his no-trade clause, he said he liked the idea of coming to San Jose, not only because of the team’s past performance, but also because he knew Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, and, in the minors, was a teammate of Evgeni Nabokov in Kentucky.

Advertisement

And it didn’t hurt that San Jose had just signed Rob Blake, a close buddy.

*Like most players, Boyle said he has the hockey TV package at home and watches all teams.

“San Jose plays an offensive style of game that’s right up my alley. I’m looking forward to playing with some of the players up there”

*He also talked about the highs and lows of his time with the Lightning.

“I’ve won a cup. I’ve seen what it’s like to be at the top of the mountain and I’ve seen what it’s like to be the worst team in the league. Last year was a horrible year for me. I’m not the youngest guy, but I have so much left to give and I’m very excited.”

*He and Brad Lukowich were defensive partners when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2004. Lukowich, like Boyle, said he was hoping to redeem himself in San Jose after playing on the team at the bottom of the NHL last season.

*Doug Wilson made no attempt to disguise the fact that trading Rivet was financially (and draft-pick) motivated and tied to both the Boyle and Blake signings.

“When you move people and take on the type of dollars we’ve taken on, you have to do some other things,” Wilson said. “You have to move some dollars and you have to replenish the picks.”

(Aside: I can understand the fans who already are bemoaning Rivet’s departure. There was something extremely likable about a regular guy who every now and then would just go nuts on the ice either in defense of a teammate or to stir the pot. Me, I’m going to miss Rivet because he was willing to go beyond the usual cliches in responding to questions. He never gave away state secrets, but he was among the more straightforward. I still remember how, after an October loss in Columbus, he volunteered that nobody should be faulting the coaches, that it was the guys in the room who needed to step it up.)

Advertisement

On that note, have a safe and Happy Fourth of July.

*

David Pollak

David Pollak has been following the NHL forever and at the Mercury News as an editor or reporter since 1987. For almost a decade he wrote about the Sharks as the paper's Fan in the Stands before joining the sports department in 2001. He became the Sharks beat writer before the 2007-08 season and began this blog at that time. You can also follow him on Twitter at @PollakOnSharks.

Post navigation

GJ, Thanks for the link. The article backs up my whole point. I think the Sens weren’t a choice at all unless he would have wanted renegotiate his contract to take LESS money. If the Sens were a legit option, then yes he may have chosen the Sens, but because they are also a good team with legit possibilities. But, the result was, the Sens weren’t really an option.

BC

Dan said that Ottawa could have offered him the right terms and money, he’d been in Ottawa not San Jose.

There’s nothing in the article to this effect. He says that Ottawa was an attractive option but management couldn’t make the money work. At no point does he say or even imply that he would’ve gone to Ottawa instead of San Jose all things being equal.

BC

Note, also, Boyle’s quotes at the bottom of the article:

Boyle said San Jose captain Joe Thornton had already called to welcome him to the organization and he’d had a nice discussion with GM Doug Wilson.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about Doug Wilson. I’ve spoken to him and Joe Thornton. It was nice to hear that Rob Blake was really excited to come to San Jose,” said Boyle.

Definitely sounds like a guy who doesn’t want to come here!

GJ

GP: I think he would have taken the Sens had the money been right. That’s my point. There was a big pause in his thinking and he had to get welcome wagon out from Doug Wilson to get convinced to come here. Why is it that every player has to get a call from Thornton to be convinced to play in San Jose? Didn’t exactly work with Brian but that’s not really fair, since I think Brian’s deal was never going to work out here from the begining. My point is that SJ isn’t as a premiere spot in the NHL as Doug sells it. It’s not as bad as Edmonton, but it’s pretty close.

goaliepuke

Boyle revealed he did speak with the Senators and would have welcomed the opportunity to come back to Ottawa, but admitted GM Bryan Murray just didn’t feel the organization could take on his six-year, $39-million US contract.

“We were in contact with Ottawa. I have nothing bad to say. It was a business decision on their part,” said Boyle. “The idea of coming back home to play was attractive to me. I just wanted the chance to go to a team that has a chance to win a Stanley Cup and that’s how I narrowed down my choices.”

There’s the full 2 experts regarding the Sens. They weren’t an option. DBs clear choice was a team that had a chance to WIN the cup. Sen’s legit chances are limited.

GJ

Eric: I appreciate your sense of humour. I’m so glad you get it. I’ll give Coach Toddy credit. Doug won’t be here. I’m sure Jim Rutherford will be thrilled to take his 2nd ring.

Now, when Ron gets his ring in Toronto, I’ll be at the Brit with Nolan buying everyone a round of Crown. Be sure to stop by in 2010. You’ll probably be ready to drown your sorrows after yet another round 2 toss out of the sharks. It’s tough to be a Sharks fan.

Eric

“GP: That’s not true, in fact, there was an article last year that SJ was a country club under Ron, EJ had it under ESPN . Ron didn’t run the practices, Zetts and Hunts, practices were damn short to be honest. These guys were not getting enough in those practices and they should been longer. In fact, optionals had more guys in them than the mandatory practices. Ron said it himself during the Coach’s roundtable at the NHL All Star game.

Read the Article – Dan said that Ottawa could have offered him the right terms and money, he’d been in Ottawa not San Jose.”

By your own words the COACHING STAFF (yes, what RW was hired to run) was lax and failed to practice properly-so keep him? Not that I put much stock in what BG writes in the Ottawa rag, but you forgot
“Boyle revealed he did speak with the Senators and would have welcomed the opportunity to come back to Ottawa, but admitted GM Bryan Murray just didn’t feel the organization could take on his six-year, $39-million US contract.

“We were in contact with Ottawa. I have nothing bad to say. It was a business decision on their part,” said Boyle. “The idea of coming back home to play was attractive to me. I just wanted the chance to go to a team that has a chance to win a Stanley Cup and that’s how I narrowed down my choices.”

Talked to Thornton

Boyle said San Jose captain Joe Thornton had already called to welcome him to the organization and he’d had a nice discussion with GM Doug Wilson.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about Doug Wilson. I’ve spoken to him and Joe Thornton. It was nice to hear that Rob Blake was really excited to come to San Jose,” said Boyle.

So while yes, he may have wanted to play in Ottawa for obvious reasons-he doesn’t sound so upset about coming to SJ.

GJ

GP: I still think he’d would have stayed in Ottawa. Sorry, I read the quotes and I don’t think he’s telling the truth. Yeah, a chance to win the cup is always available with the Sharks, we are a playoff contending team year after year. If Murray could have moved heaven and earth to make the deal happen, I think Boyle might have changed his tune. There was too much pause to this decision for me and too many folks who had to be called into convince him to take it. Not to mention, he’s a pretty ticked off guy. So I call BS on this one. Sorry.

GJ

Eric: Yes, that coaching staff that RW hired. I admit that practices were an issue at times. No one is perfect, except for that record that was second to none. Go Figure.

Seriously, Eric. The atmosphere was part of the problem, so was the star treatment to Campbell and Thornton and others. Coach Todd is going to have to figure out how to deal with Joey T. He’s used to being pampered. I hope he knows how to fluff his pillows. I’m sure Ron told him.

goaliepuke

GJ, earlier in the blog you said DW doesn’t do a good job “selling.” Sounds like he used all the tools at his disposal.

NOT a CC
I like EJR, but he doesn’t get to watch SJ practices very often, and it would be a game day practice — always lighter for regulars. There aren’t much different practices from around the league. They last anywhere from 45min to 1.5 hours, depending what they are working on.

Then, all players are expected to do some off-ice work.

Anything RW said to the media, can be taken with a grain of salt. I would bet not received well by players in the practices.

puckace

The self imposed exile didn’t last long. GJ you just can’t resist stirring the pot can you? I can tell that you like to put a stick into WTC to see how many hornets will come streaming out to buzz around your head. Fire DW calls already?!?! Do you like anything the Sharks have done over the past few weeks? Is there anything positive to say about them?

BTW I appreciate that you can be controversial without the name calling. But I was laughing when you called out BJS for his “source” in #278. I’m sure he will keep his source to himself just as you do.

Eric

GJ -thanks for the offer,but I’m about 500 miles to the north of SJ now and I don’t get back much or I’d take you up on that except it would have to be Pepsi for me since that’s about as wild as I get these days…he he he…Cheers mate… A cyber toast to SJ bringing home their first cup and to TOR returning to their former glory in the not too distant future….

P.S. While 2 rd exits suck…I don’t think it’s any tougher to be an SJ fan than to cheer for that Blue and White from the Great White North….

goaliepuke

GJ, “calling BS” on this, I can’t figure that one out. Based on DB REAL criteria for CHOOSING a team, “it would have been nice to play there” wasn’t going to cut it.

Since Murray said we want you too, but can’t afford you, the option wasn’t there. Logically, the Sens were NOT an option.

Here’s the hypothetical: (not part of the article)
“IF” if he could have paid, then, it would have been a POSSIBILITY, he’d be a Sen right now. But, it isn’t a given. Especially, since he wants to win a cup sooner, than later.

An ultimate conclusion over any of this, and excuse me for sounding like a homer, but, it’s just business, DW did his job for wooing a #D here to SJ. Isn’t that what anyone else here wanted?

NHLPA website lists San Jose Sharks RFA defenseman Christian Ehrhoff under contract for next season at $2.75 million. Official announcement by the Sharks of Ehrhoff’s re-signing has yet to be made. (Hat tip to GJ Berg)

Shark attack

Campbell presser is on right now on NHL network if anyone is interested

Stevo

GJ 271,

I’m not sure that I will say that I think DW’s moves are not going to work. I think he may have done a decent job (more on this at the end). He may also have done the opposite.

To Wit:

Coaching changes. That could be huge either way.

Roster changes. Same thing. Is chemistry going to be good? If Marleau and the other goldbricks that Mr. Rivet talked about are not going to change, then the Sharks will be no better than they have been.

Does anyone think that Boyle, Blake, or Luke will be vocal right out of the box, maybe… I doubt it. They will be vocal, just not until they feel that they have ‘fit in’ to their new environment.

Same goes for Mick and his new staff. He, like all folks starting a new gig, will be reserved to some extent until he gets the political lay of the land. He will need to build his leadership bridges etc… and that takes time.

Don’t get me wrong, Mick will probably tell it like it is. He will simply not know his roster on a personal level. It’s also his first HC job….confident? Probably. 100% confident? Doubt it.

With the level of play in the Pacific, he will be behind the 8-ball come the first month or two of the season. If the Sharks don’t stay near the Stars and Ducks, it may be hard to catch them.

I have the feeling that Marleau will be on fire this coming season. He painted himself into a corner and will be wanting to save face. If he had issues with RW, then all the more so. Perhaps the Mick connection is a good thing. That could go south too, if PM thinks he can “work” Mick, or if Mick thinks PM is taking advantage of the historical relationship.

The whole vibe should be one of a new beginning and it just might work in their favor, but too many variables at this point.

Back to DW. I’m not sure that he blew it. I think that he was shrewd to not pay the insane prices on July 1st. Given that pretty much no one thought that the market would go through the roof, he didn’t have much choice but wait and then do whatever he could. Actually, he got lucky and did pretty well in my view.

But I agree that DW’s behind is certainly on the line like never before. It’s all or nothing.

Regarding your “side point” of players being hesitant to come to SJ. My take had always been that there is hardly any nationwide press coverage of anywhere in the Pacific Time Zone. Folks in the Central and East Zones are asleep by the time the Sharks are starting. The papers back East often don’t have any coverage at all the next day. The papers/networks know that and tailor their coverage accordingly.

That’s why to some, playing on the West Coast is like an Army guy getting demoted to an Alaskan outpost. It’s a……well, a demotion from a Q rating standpoint. That ultimately hurts their odds of an All-Star slot, a Vezina Trophy etc.. The player’s pay might suffer to a degree as well (the more awards, the more leverage come new contract time).

On the upside? If a player doesn’t like the pressure of the press and the glare of the limelight, then it’s a great place to be. I can understand that. Just play your best hockey here. I’m not sure if that lack of pressure accidentally translates into lack of intensity however. I’m anxious to see if ANA can re-capture a Cup, or are they a one-shot wonder?

Should be, um, interesting this coming season.

Will F.

I love how Stevo already has nicknames for everybody.

BTW, does anybody else get about 6 lines into these ridiculous rants and then realize…oh wait…I could be doing anything else right now…

Shark attack

I think it will also come down to whether this core of players will adapt well to the Det system, and whether they can be consistent in the PO

Eric

You know if GJ is right about Boyle wanting to really go to OTT or some other questions about this team, it’s not so bad. Boyle was rejected by the first two teams he wanted to play for , but was welcomed with open arms here. Think he’s going to be motivated? How about the other guy who came with him-what’s his name (because nobody remembers his name or 2 rings, right?)-something to prove there (if he stays)? T-Mac has a lot to prove as a rookie NHL headcoach? Like he’s no fluke. Think JT or PM would like to shut a couple people up? MM has question marks to answer and Cheechoo has to prove he was no one hit wonder. D Murray is in a contract year. CE needs to prove he can hit the net and not make turnovers on a routine basis up the middle. Blake-maybe the last time he has a legit shot at a cup & makes 5 mil in a season. Think he’ll be focused. JR-is this it for him? Last shot at the prize? Was last year a fluke? And Nabby, poor Nabby. Hero or goat? (I say hero, but hockey is a what have you done for me lately sport now isn’t it?) Getting rid of RW was a great move because it took away any excuse for failure from the core players (yea PM, this is could go directly to you) those players must now put up or shut up. The entire team, both new and old Sharks, have to go out and prove to the rest of the league that they are as good as the pedigree reads (multiple rings,mvp,scoring leader, goal scoring leader, norris trophy, silent leader, rookie of the year, Vezina finalist (should have won). DW and picks and prospects aside-the pressure to preform is now squarely where it should be and all the ingredients for a winner are in place (even thought there will be a few additions and subtractions before Oct). Question them you all want. In my experience, nothing makes for a better more focused hockey player or team than one that has something to prove and plays with some anger and a chip on their shoulder. I think that’s what we’re gonna see this year and it should be a lot of fun.

Shark attack

Jason Smith signed 2 years with Ott, so I guess they don’t want McLaren now

goaliepuke

SA, still a possibility, that makes 4 D men signed in Ott by my count. But, I’d agree there’s less a possibility.

andy

Just catching up the blog. Good to see some spirited action. GJ providing good fodder. I really like his posts that contradict each other.
One posts reads good move by “Dougie,” the next novel has him fired.

andy

#316 Will

Speaking of nicknames – Those are “novel” posts. Mostly a waste of time.
Except for GJ’s his are so “insightful” they’re downright funny.

goaliepuke

Check that, 6 D signed for Sens, but looks like 2 of them may not be there this season.

Stevo

Andy and Will F,

And I love your insightful, well written posts about the Sharks too… I get so much new information from them.

andy

324 Stevo

Thanks

Eric

we need a new thread…new thread…..DP..make something up…think like a Canadian media outlet……AO to Sharks in whopper that sees Nabby, JT, and all draft picks for next 5 years heading east e4

GJ

I’m so happy some of you see what I’m doing and others are still chasing your tails. This thread was dying and I just spiced it up. You’re welcome. You have to really read my posts to figure out where I’m going, yes, it’s a challenge. My opinions are not for the faint of heart.

BTW, Eric: Marleau will be on fire and then I suspect about January, he will be searching again for a line mate and whining about not having consistency. Toddy is really going to have his hands full, but that’s what he is here for, to be Marleau’s protector. I have no doubt that Dougie didn’t bring this coach in to protect Marleau from the rest of the team in some way and get this kid back on his feet. Unfortunately, Doug forgot to get him a Left Wing in his shopping trip this off season. I still maintain the core is rotten, Nabby will have to hold up the D even more so than last year and that’s going to be a challenge since Doug would like to see more Boucher this year – he’s the one who really likes the tandem goalie approach. I’m not convinced that Doug has what it takes (side note, I didn’t give Doug credit for anything, I’ve never been a Doug Wilson ever, not ever, the guy isn’t what he seems, honestly, this act he puts on about being players first is just complete BS, it’s sickening.) Losing Ron Wilson was the best move, there is no excuse on coaching this year, now we can pin the tail on the real donkeys, finally. The players and the GM. I look forward to Purdy’s columns, I’m sure he will give them what for this fall, right? Oh sure, I know I’m a dreamer, but there has to be someone who will hold the right people accountable this time around. Can’t blame Toddy, he’s a Red Wing and he comes from good stock. He’s a winner.

Stevo: San Jose is an island in the NHL. It’s where you go when you want your career to die. It’s career suicide to play in San Jose. No media attention, no one knows who the hell you are outside Los Gatos. Honestly, other than the weather, what’s the point to play here? Other than you get the likes of some of these fabulous fans to worship your ground and even then it’s only like 20 or so. No, San Jose has the worst travel schedule in the NHL, maybe Dallas is a little more intense but I doubt it. You do get to the playoffs only get bounced in May, the upside you can still get decent reservations for travel and there isn’t a lot of pressure to win anything, it’s not like the Bay area expects it. They are so used to losing out, it’s expected.

Will F.

Good one Stevo – a little insight? I liked all of your nicknames for sharks players and staff except for Craig Rivet. You called him “Mr. Rivet” and lets be honest…that one makes me wonder if your gay.

GJ

Bernier has an offer sheet from the Blues now. Suddenly he’s hot. I’m so glad we traded him out of here for that Brian Campbell. Canucks have 7 days to match. 2.5M for Bernier. Does he know there is no poutine in St. Louis?

Check TSN front page.

Eric

You may be right about how the season unfolds, maybe not. As far as playing destinations go: The hockey hotbeds of BUF, TOR, VAN, seem to be as attractive as ATL , FLA & CAR to the players who get to decide where they play. CHI had to pay stupid money for their TWO goalies and BC for them to play there. I haven’t seen any comments from Rivet on how happy he is about being banished to BUF, I wonder why that is?

GJ

Eric: At least in BUF, TOR, VAN there is media attention. ATL, FLA and CAR are eastern conference, there is also national media, eastern, attention. Chicago over paid for Campbell, but then again, this is Rocky’s way of trying to make an original 6 team restore itself back to it’s glory and bury the demon that was his father Dollar Bill.

Rivet hasn’t said anything, I’m not sure he’s happy about Buffalo only because Buffalo hasn’t won anything in a long time and that organization has a lot of issues. As far as career wise, he will be back in the spotlight and he’ll end his career with opportunity to showcase himself. There is much more media attention to be had there, even Campbell had some very nice sponsorship opportunities and Rivet could paralay himself into some of those if he chose. I think Rivet could be headed into working in with another organization front office after his career ends.

Eric

See, even Bernier would rather play in St. Louis than VAN. Is it me or is the RFA stuff really just a high stakes game of “gotcha” ?

Stevo

Will F,

Thank you Mr. F.

I rest my case…

Eric

While media attention and big $$$’s are what motivates some, most PLAY the game to win the Cup. I’ll bet Rivet would trade all that hype for a Cup-that’s the kind of guy he seems to be. In their short history, SJ has gone from a place to retire, to a place many top players will play at or choose to go to if given the chance. You know it and I know it. Your pride will never let you admit it.

JEFF

Well the Sharks still haven’t announced Ehrhoff’s signing… I wonder if they are trying to sign Clowe and maybe move someone else and just announce everything at once. I really don’t think we’d trade Cheech like some places are saying, he is worth every penny of the 3 mil he makes every year and Doug seems to like him.

Will F.

Mr. F is still better than Mr. Rivet…wait…actually no its not. Oh crap, did you just hit on me?

C’mon Stevo, just giving you a hard time for writing such a long entry. And using gay nicknames for hockey players. But other than that, you covered all the insight so I’ve got nothing left to focus on other than your pet naming of hockey players.

GJ

Eric: Hahahaha. Honestly, you can’t be serious? 2.5M for Bernier from the Blues is laughable. Are they paying him by the pound? Ruff couldn’t get him to play and apparently the Jenny Craig up there gave up too. Canucks will match this. A bidding war for Bernier between the Canucks and Blues is a slow news day. Can we get Burke and Lowe get back at it? Why did Bettman kill the buzz, man?

GJ

Rivet would love to compete for a Cup and really that’s more fun. I agree to that much, Eric. As to winning one in San Jose. He’ll be getting his AARP card first. He knows it, I know it and you know it. All those video clips of Dan and Doug Wilson from the Sharks site have you fooled. Admit it, you hear Doug speak and you start to think it’s possible. He’s like Obama, he’s got your fooled, man.

Eric

A bidding war for Bernier is funny. The point is he would walk away from VAN for the media blitz and glory of…St. Louis? Well if he ends up there he will be able to tell his grandkids he once played on the same team as PK and KT. They didn’t win anything, but it was still neat.

BooneDog

Actually GJ, I think Vancouver had the worst travel schedule (or used to) but that is neither here nor there. Bernier hot??? Are you kidding, maybe if he laid off the doughnuts and decided that he wanted to get in shape and take the seriously then you might have something. He’d be getting better offers than 2.5 mill/year if he was a “hot” commodity. 16G and 16A is not great for a guy of his stature.

Atlanta, Florida, Nashville are hockey hotbeds and San Jose is not??? Have you been to a game in Anaheim, besides being one of the worst arenas in hockey they don’t draw crap. And what about Dallas??? They’ve won a Cup as well and you could’ve got 2nd round tickets days before their home games against the Sharks…Real hockey hotbeds there.

Boyle gave a list of teams he would accept being traded too, that means that the team trying to acquire a player has to come up with an attractive offer for the team to consider trading him. The other offers were not as substantial as the Sharks was. We all know the waiver wire threat was BS, they’re not going to give up a commodity that teams want for nothing. C’mon, are you that gullible???

Obviously Ottawa did not make an offer that TB found acceptable. I’m sure they could have made the dollars work otherwise. Sens are just trying to save face with their fans for not making the trade and blame it on $$$. They need to replace Redden (and Charra) and have not done so.

GJ

Oh dear, Boonedog has not read previous posts. I’ll wait for him to catch up.

Anaheim has a cup. San Jose does not. Anaheim does have the same problem as San Jose, it’s not a real hockey market either. Dallas same thing.

Personally, I’d like to see the NHL cut some teams. They could start with the Ducks, the Sharks and work their way east. How’s that? No need to expand the league, and that would solve the travel issue and this crap about hockey markets. Besides, the players would be happier to play closer to the east. Of course, that decreases revenue, bad for business, makes Bettman unhappy. He’ll be gone soon and we’ll see what happens when Brian Burke takes over.

GJ

Eric: Agreed. I find it just so amusing. Here after all this time, we see this for Bernier. A player, who I didn’t seem to think was all that bad and had potential at times, but he had severe problems with work ethic. If this is what the blues and canucks want to waste their money on, they can fill their boots. He’ll be with the Canucks at the end of this contest. The kid playing for Blues doesn’t seem to work for me, I see him with the Canucks system myself. Another waste.

Stevo

GJ 327,

Everyone knows the reasons players have come here is to have an overpriced house, good weather, hot stuck-up women on N. Santa Cruz Ave. and a beachfront getaway pad.

They love the anonymity. Let’s them cheat on their wives easier. Ask A-Rod, it’s hell living in a media fishbowl.

The Bay Area has had a high standard for sports for a long time. The old Raiders, 49ers, A’s all won multiple titles. Even the Warriors nailed one.

I guess you were referring to the Giants when you said that we are used to losing out. He, he.. And that sad sack of an organization gets top billing in the press over the A’s.

If the Sharks’ PR department was all that, they’d be working to get their profile raised in the Eastern press a little more.

Sorry Andy, that’s all I’ve got for now.

Eric

I wouldn’t even have much memory of him, except one of my son’s saw Bernier in one of his early games pull that one handed move, stole it, and pulled it off in a game and scored a couple weeks later. Not what you would call textbook puck handling, but it was pretty cool to see. Hard to say don’t do that when he scored.

GJ

Stevo: Your good ,Stevo. Really. I think that’s some of the best from you in some time. Now you get it.

You raise a good point to the PR. Didn’t we hear about that media award what was it the Dillldo…oh yeah, the Dillman that Tom Holy wins every years for the best media relations in the in western conference and therefore, they are getting all this attention for their players. So why is it when I’m back east I have to explain to my friends what exactly is a Marcel Goc? I usually just point to his blog, which reminds me (side note to Marcel Goc, be sure to put this in the arb hearing, I’m going to on a limb and say that’s worth at least 50K more to you, Marcel, and you are clearly being lowballed for what you do in terms of public relations. If I didn’t know it, I could swear this where Sasha Cohen got his material for his next flick, you know the German rockstar. Seriously, you are missing out some serious cake for this blog.) I just don’t get it, Stevo. Doesn’t compute for me.

It’s been so long since those teams won anything, Stevo. You’re dating yourself. Al Davis should have owned the Sharks, this would have been over by now.

puckace

#341 GJ

There’s no way Bettman would cut the Sharks and Ducks first. He’s too smart for that. I believe he’ll start with the NY Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Then he’ll probably drop the Penguins and Red Wings………

Oh H E double hockey sticks!!! I hope he doesn’t read this blog and take those suggestions seriously.

Eric

Doesn’t Al Davis own the Leafs?

BC

I think there’s a bridge you should be living under, somewhere, GJ.

GJ

Bettman would add not substract. You should be worried about the next Commish, Brian Burke. He’s fiscally conservative, when it comes to corporate growth, and he doesn’t like to see organization that are wasted. He’s not a fan of Sharks or Doug Wilson, who isn’t really, I mean, let’s face it, there are about 15 GM’s who will pick the phone when Doug calls, the rest really don’t bother, at least that’s my impression. He’ll get rid of the organization that he deems are unworthly. Of course, right now, the Ducks ownership is in peril and then there are other factors. I think the Sharks are safe for now. If the economy continues to tank, well that’s a story for another day kiddies.